Intense SNIPER T ELITE User manual

1
2022 // SNIPER T
ELITE // PRO // EXPERT
MANUAL

32
Register your bike at:
www.intensecycles.com/pages/registerbike
For Technical assistance:
Email [email protected] // Phone [phone]
CONTENTS
6Components
8 Setup guide
10 Remove wheels and
prepare bike
12 Install handlebars
14 Install rear derailleur
16 Install rear wheel
20 Install front wheel
22 Install pedals and
run through gears
24 Adjust headset and
handlebars
26 Adjust saddle height, install
bottle cage and check tire
pressure
28 Cable Routing
30 Front suspension
setup
36 Rear suspension
setup
40 Final bike check
42 Geometry Chart
43 Maintenance Schedule
44 Carbon care
46 Parts Listing
48 Parts Kit
51 Torque Specications
THE INTENSE SNIPER T
Whether you're racing cross-country against the
world's best on the most demanding tracks, taking on
an all day event, or tackling your local trail loop, the
Sniper T is the down-country bike for you. With the
Sniper T, we have created a pure full-suspension bike
to tackle the most demanding XC tracks with a true
INTENSE spirit.
#PURESPEEDMACHINE

54
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
Our team of designers, engineers and product
experts are focused on one thing every day: your
experience on the bike. We build bikes that are as
thrilling to look at as they are to ride, and we build
them for the select few of you who understand the
difference and refuse to settle for anything else.
From the early days of INTENSE, when founder Jeff
Steber worked alone in his garage, to today with our
crew of talented people working in our Temecula, CA
headquarters, INTENSE has been a brand built on
passion by forward thinkers who love nothing more
than to throw a leg over a sweet bike and head out
for a rip. We’re so glad you’ve joined us. Welcome to
INTENSE, enjoy your experience.
AT INTENSE WE HAVE ONE
GOAL - TO PROVIDE THE
RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

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B
C
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Model: INTENSE SNIPER T
Model Year: 2022
Compatible Forks: 120mm Travel
Headtube/Headset: Integrated IS41/28.6, IS52/40
Frame Seattube Dimensions: ID 31.6mm (ID = Inside Diameter)
Bottom Bracket: PF92
Recommended Max Tire Size: 2.4"
Brakes: Direct Post Mount 160mm
Minimum Rotor Size: 160mm
Maximum Rotor Size: 203mm
Rear Hub: 148 x 12mm through axle BOOST
Rear Shock Eye-to-Eye: 165mm
Stroke: 45mm
Mounting Bushing Width Front: 20 x 8mm
Mounting Bushing Width Rear: Trunnion
KNOW YOUR SNIPER T
COMPONENT
BREAKDOWN
1Grips
2Shifter
3Handlebars
4Stem
5Dropper post lever
6 Brake lever
7Frame
01 Toptube
02 Downtube
03 Seattube
04 Chainstay
05 Seatstay
06 Rear shock
8Saddle (seat)
9Dropper seatpost
10 Seatpost clamp
11 Rear brake
12 Cassette
13 Rear derailleur
14 Chain
15 Chainring
16 Crankset
17 Headset
18 Suspension Fork
A Fork crown
B Stanchion
C Lower leg
19 Front brake
20 Rotor
21 Spoke
22 Tire
23 Thru axle
24 Rim

98
Your new INTENSE Sniper T is almost ready to go,
you just need to do a few things to get your bike
ready for its rst ride. If you are setting up your bike
from the box, the next few pages will show you how
to assemble it. If you picked up your bike already set-
up by a dealer then you can jump to page 28.
We have a series of in-depth and detailed videos
on our website that go through the whole process of
building and preparing your bike – including technical
videos on suspension set-up, tuning your gears, and
much more.
GO TO INTENSE.COM/PAGES/TECHVIDEOS
If at any time you feel unsure about what you are doing
then please contact us at INTENSE or seek the help of
a professional mechanic at your local bike shop.
INTENSE +1 951.307.9211
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
INTENSE SNIPER T
SET-UP GUIDE

1110
STEP 1
REMOVE WHEELS
& PUT BIKE IN STAND
When you rst open your bike box you will nd a Quick
Start Guide, accessory box and the bike itself. First,
carefully remove the wheels and put to one side (A).
While the bike is still in the box, take off the
packaging around the handlebars and expose
the dropper post lever on the left-hand side of the
handlebar. Push dropper post lever. This will raise the
dropper post to its highest position, which will allow
you to put the bike safely in a bike stand. Pull the bike
out and place in the bike stand. Only use the seatpost
to clamp the bike to the stand (B).
A
B

1312
STEP 2
INSTALL
HANDLEBARS
Remove any packaging on the front of the bike, then
spin the handlebar stem 180º so that the stem and
forks are facing forward (A). Make sure that the forks
are the correct way around – the front brake caliper
should be on the left (non-drive) side of the bike, with
the fork arch facing forward.
Using a 4mm Allen key remove the faceplate of the
stem and put the handlebars in place (B). Use the
guidelines printed on the handlebars to help position
them centrally and evenly. Check that the brake, gear
and dropper post cables have a nice ow and are not
kinked or twisted in any way.
Replace the faceplate of the stem and reinsert the
bolts, rstly by hand and then with the 4mm Allen key
(C). Gradually tighten the bolts, making sure that the
bars are still positioned correctly and that the space
between the faceplate and the main body of the stem
is even all the way around.
When tightening the bolts follow this pattern to ensure
even clamping: top left, bottom right, bottom left, top
right. Finish off using the torque wrench to 5Nm-7Nm.
A B
C

1514
STEP 3
INSTALL
REAR DERAILLEUR
Move to the rear of the bike and cut off any zip-ties
or packaging from the rear derailleur and chain.
Using a 5mm Allen key, screw the derailleur into the
derailleur hanger/frame (A).
It is important that you locate the 'B Screw' on the
derailleur and position it correctly so that it sits on
the derailleur hanger notch (B). With the torque
wrench tighten the main derailleur bolt to 8-9Nm (C).
Holding the bottom of the derailleur cage pivot the
whole derailleur toward the front of the bike (D).
There will be some resistance from the spring, so be
careful that it doesn’t spring back into position.
When it won’t go any further forward, and in a near
vertical position, press the small button (E) with a
padlock logo printed on it. This is the ‘Cage Lock’.
While holding the lock button, gently release the
derailleur cage. The derailleur should now be locked
in position, which will make it easier for you to t the
rear wheel.
A
C
B
D E

1716
STEP 4
INSTALL
REAR WHEEL
Take out the rear brake pad spacer (A) – this is
usually orange, red or yellow plastic. Once removed
be careful not to squeeze the brake lever until the
rear wheel is in position. The rear axle features an
integrated pull-out lever, unscrew using the lever and
remove the rear axle. Simply pull this out, unscrew
and remove the rear axle (B).
Remove any packaging left on the rear wheel,
including the large black plastic rotor guards (C). Be
careful that the metal wheel spacers don’t get pulled
off by accident. If they do just press them back into
position. Do not touch the brake rotors with your
hands or gloves, as any small amount of grease may
contaminate them.
Insert the rear wheel into the frame by rst positioning
the chain on the smallest cog on the cassette (D).
Your SRAM derailleur will already be in its ‘locked’
position making it easier for you to install the wheel.
Carefully line up the rotor with the rear brake making
sure that it slides inside the caliper body between the
brake pads (E), and the hub spacers slide into the
slots on the frame dropouts.
A
B
C
D E

1918
STEP 4 CONTINUED...
Once everything is lined up and in position, reinsert
the axle and tighten using the integrated lever on the
non-drive side (left), turning clockwise until tight (F).
Reinstall the lever within the axle by pushing it rmly
back in place. Then with a 5mm Allen key on the drive
side of the bike tighten the axle to 11Nm (G).
You can now take the lock off your SRAM rear
derailleur (H). To do this, gently push the derailleur
cage forward a little, the lock will automatically
release, slowly let the derailleur arm move backward
into position.
F
G H

2120
STEP 5
INSTALL
FRONT WHEEL
Remove all packaging from the wheel (make sure
the hub end caps are still in the correct place). Then
remove the brake pad spacer (A) (orange, yellow or
red) and the front wheel axle from the fork (B).
Position the wheel so that the rotor ts into the brake
caliper body and that the hub body slots into the
grooves on the fork (C). When everything is in the
correct place reinsert the front wheel axle and tighten,
then clamp it tight using the quick release lever (D).
There should be some resistance when the lever is
ipped into the vertical position.
A B
C D

2322
STEP 6
INSTALL
PEDALS
(A) Pedals are somewhat of a personal choice – some
people prefer at pedals, others clipless, and then of
course there are all the different brands and designs.
So please take note, your bike does not come supplied
with pedals, so that you can choose your own.
Note: Bicycles have specic left and right pedals
and the left-hand side pedal has an opposite
thread on it and this means that it tightens up in a
counterclockwise direction.
STEP 7
RUN THROUGH
THE GEARS
(B) Now is a good time to run through the gears to
check that they are working correctly. To do this turn
the cranks so that the wheel begins to spin, then shift
through the gears (being careful not to trap anything
in the chain). The bikes are setup and tuned before
packaging, however during the shipping process it
is possible for the drivetrain to become slightly out
of tune. Minor adjustments may be required. Please
check out our Tech Video on drivetrain adjustments.
A
B

2524
STEP 8
ADJUST HEADSET
& HANDLEBARS
Your bike’s headset comes ‘pre-loaded’ from our
factory but it is good practice to check it. If it feels a
little loose then undo the stem clamping bolts slightly
using a using a 4mm Allen key (A). Then gently
tighten the top cap bolt 2-4Nm using a 5mm Allen key
(B). Retighten the stem clamp bolts and check the
headset again. If the bars won’t turn smoothly, it is
too tight, so repeat the process but this time slacken
the top cap bolt off a little, or if it is too loose, continue
to tighten.
Once you are happy with your headset adjustment
you need to make sure that your stem and
handlebars are straight (C). If the bars are not
straight, loosen the two pinch bolts using a 4mm Allen
key, take your bike out of the stand, straddle it, then
look down and align your handlebars with your front
wheel. Take your time to get it right, and when you
are happy tighten the two stem bolts to 5-7Nm using
a 4mm Allen key (D). Torque values are listed on the
stem for reference.
A
B
C
D

2726
STEP 9
ADJUST SADDLE HEIGHT
STEP 10
INSTALL BOTTLE CAGE
STEP 11
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
Set the height of your saddle (seat) with your seatpost
in its fully extended position. Using a 4mm Allen key
loosen the seatpost clamp and adjust the seatpost to
the correct height. A good base measurement is to
stand next to your bike in your riding shoes, putting
your hand against the top of your hip bone (A). The
palm of your hand should be level with the top of the
saddle. Adjust as appropriate, then tighten the seat
clamp to 4Nm. Do not over tighten this bolt as it may
affect the performance of the seatpost. Note: You may
have to slightly readjust the saddle height once you
have set up your suspension correctly.
Your bike comes supplied with a water bottle cage.
Undo the two 3mm bolts on the downtube of your bike
and t the cage (B). Tighten to 3Nm.
The ideal tire pressure setting is determined by four
main factors: rider weight, type of terrain, design/
construction of tire and the desired balance of comfort
and traction. The pressures here are a suggested
starting point and can typically range +/- 5psi. Front:
26psi, Rear 29psi. It is always a good idea to inspect
your tires for tears and punctures before and after
every ride.
A
B

2928
IMPORTANT NOTE:
SNIPER T CABLE ROUTING
When installing the rear brake and derailleur cables, it
is important to position the cables 38mm (1.5") away
from the bottom surface of the downtube. This allows
enough slack in the cables so they do not come
under tension when the suspension compresses.
Feed the zip-tie into
the cable spacer and
around one of the cables
before feeding it back
through the spacer and
around the second cable.
Do not tighten.
Adjust the proper amount
of slack in the cables.
Position the cable spacer
near the exit holes on the
downtube.
Tighten the zip-tie to
secure the spacer into
place as shown.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CABLE SPACER
ZIP-TIE

3130
FORK: FOX PERFORMANCE 34 FLOAT, GRIP DAMPER, 120MM
SUGGESTED STARTING POINTS FOR SETTING UP YOUR FORK
RIDER WEIGHT AIR PRESSURE REBOUND DIAL
(LBS/KGS) (PSI) NO. OF CLICKS
120-130 / 54-59 58 13
130-140 / 59-64 63 12
140-150 / 64-68 68 11
150-160 / 68-73 72 10
160-170 / 73-77 77 9
170-180 / 77-82 82 8
180-190 / 82-86 86 7
190-200 / 86-91 91 6
200-210 / 91-95 96 5
210-220 / 95-100 100 4
220-230 / 100-104 105 3
230-240 / 104-109 110 2
240-250 / 109-113 114 1
The rebound adjuster for the fork is a red dial
located on the bottom of the right fork leg.
Rebound controls how fast the fork extends after
compressing. The rebound adjustment is dependent
on the air pressure setting. For example, higher air
pressures require more rebound damping. Use your
air pressure to nd your rebound setting. Turn your
rebound knob to the closed position (full clockwise)
until it stops. Then back it out (counterclockwise) to
the number of clicks shown in the table below.
Adjust rebound until (when tested) the fork returns
quickly but does not top out. Top out is felt when
a fork fully extends too quickly and comes to an
abrupt stop when it reaches full extension (you will
hear a small noise). Top out should be avoided
through proper rebound setting.
The Sniper T Expert uses FOX air sprung suspension front and rear, so rst you
need to set the air pressure. Look at the air pressure chart below to calculate the
air pressure you require. Remember to calculate your weight when you are in full
riding gear. You are looking for approximately 20% sag, so for the 120mm (4.7”) fork
that comes on the Sniper T Expert that measurement should be around 24mm (1”).
Adjust the pressure in your forks until you reach the correct sag.
REBOUND
Open
(counterclockwise)
Least amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
fastest.
Closed
(clockwise)
Most amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
slowest.
ADJUSTING GRIP COMPRESSION DAMPING
3-Position Micro Adjust: The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-
y adjustments to control fork performance under signicant changes in
terrain, and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride. FOX INTENSE
recommends that the ultimate performance will be found with this lever in the
full counterclockwise ‘Open’ setting. Turning the lever to the middle position
sets the fork in the Medium mode. Turning the lever to the full clockwise
position sets the fork in Firm mode. The positions between the three modes
can be utilized to change the damping performance of the fork.
STEP 12
FRONT SUSPENSION SETUP SNIPER T EXPERT
REBOUND DIAL
LOCATED HERE
AIR VALVE CAP
3-POSITION
COMPRESSION
DAMPING LEVER

3332
FORK: FOX PERFORMANCE ELITE 34 FLOAT, FIT4, 120MM
SUGGESTED STARTING POINTS FOR SETTING UP YOUR FORK
RIDER WEIGHT AIR PRESSURE REBOUND DIAL OPEN MODE
(LBS/KGS) (PSI) NO. OF CLICKS ADJUST
120-130 / 54-59 58 12 18
130-140 / 59-64 63 11 18
140-150 / 64-68 68 10 16
150-160 / 68-73 72 9 16
160-170 / 73-77 77 8 14
170-180 / 77-82 82 7 12
180-190 / 82-86 86 6 12
190-200 / 86-91 91 6 10
200-210 / 91-95 96 5 10
210-220 / 95-100 100 4 8
220-230 / 100-104 105 3 6
230-240 / 104-109 110 2 6
240-250 / 109-113 114 1 5
The rebound adjuster for the fork is a red dial
located on the bottom of the right fork leg.
Rebound controls how fast the fork extends after
compressing. The rebound adjustment is dependent
on the air pressure setting. For example, higher air
pressures require more rebound damping. Use your
air pressure to nd your rebound setting. Turn your
rebound knob to the closed position (full clockwise)
until it stops. Then back it out (counterclockwise) to
the number of clicks shown in the table below.
Adjust rebound until (when tested) the fork returns
quickly but does not top out. Top out is felt when
a fork fully extends too quickly and comes to an
abrupt stop when it reaches full extension (you will
hear a small noise). Top out should be avoided
through proper rebound setting.
The Sniper T Pro uses FOX air sprung suspension front and rear, so rst you need
to set the air pressure. Look at the air pressure chart below to calculate the air
pressure you require. Remember to calculate your weight when you are in full riding
gear. You are looking for approximately 20% sag, so for the 120mm (4.7”) fork that
comes on the Sniper T Pro that measurement should be around 24mm (1”). Adjust
the pressure in your forks until you reach the correct sag.
REBOUND
Open
(counterclockwise)
Least amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
fastest.
Closed
(clockwise)
Most amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
slowest.
ADJUSTING FIT4 COMPRESSION DAMPING
3-Position Micro Adjust: The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-y
adjustments to control fork performance under signicant change in terrain,
and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride.
Use the OPEN mode during rough descending, the MEDIUM mode for
undulating terrain, and the FIRM mode for smooth climbing.
STEP 12
FRONT SUSPENSION SETUP SNIPER T PRO
REBOUND DIAL
LOCATED HERE
AIR VALVE CAP3-POSITION
COMPRESSION
DAMPING LEVER
+
OPEN MODE
ADJUSTMENT
DIAL

3534
The rebound adjuster for the fork is a red dial
located on the bottom of the right fork leg.
Rebound controls how fast the fork extends after
compressing. The rebound adjustment is dependent
on the air pressure setting. For example, higher air
pressures require more rebound damping. Use your
air pressure to nd your rebound setting. Turn your
rebound knob to the closed position (full clockwise)
until it stops. Then back it out (counterclockwise) to
the number of clicks shown in the table below.
Adjust rebound until (when tested) the fork returns
quickly but does not top out. Top out is felt when
a fork fully extends too quickly and comes to an
abrupt stop when it reaches full extension (you will
hear a small noise). Top out should be avoided
through proper rebound setting.
The Sniper T Elite uses FOX air sprung suspension front and rear, so rst you need
to set the air pressure. Look at the air pressure chart below to calculate the air
pressure you require. Remember to calculate your weight when you are in full riding
gear. You are looking for approximately 20% sag, so for the 120mm (4.7”) fork that
comes on the Sniper T Elite that measurement should be around 24mm (1”). Adjust
the pressure in your forks until you reach the correct sag.
REBOUND
Open
(counterclockwise)
Least amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
fastest.
Closed
(clockwise)
Most amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
slowest.
STEP 12
FRONT SUSPENSION SETUP SNIPER T ELITE
FORK: FORK, FOX PERFORMANCE 34 FACTORY FLOAT, KASHIMA, FIT4, 120MM
SUGGESTED STARTING POINTS FOR SETTING UP YOUR FORK
RIDER WEIGHT AIR PRESSURE REBOUND DIAL OPEN MODE
(LBS/KGS) (PSI) NO. OF CLICKS ADJUST
120-130 / 54-59 58 12 18
130-140 / 59-64 63 11 18
140-150 / 64-68 68 10 16
150-160 / 68-73 72 9 16
160-170 / 73-77 77 8 14
170-180 / 77-82 82 7 12
180-190 / 82-86 86 6 12
190-200 / 86-91 91 6 10
200-210 / 91-95 96 5 10
210-220 / 95-100 100 4 8
220-230 / 100-104 105 3 6
230-240 / 104-109 110 2 6
240-250 / 109-113 114 1 5
REBOUND DIAL
LOCATED HERE
AIR VALVE CAP3-POSITION
COMPRESSION
DAMPING LEVER
+
OPEN MODE
ADJUSTMENT
DIAL
ADJUSTING FIT4 COMPRESSION DAMPING
3-Position Micro Adjust: The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-y
adjustments to control fork performance under signicant change in terrain,
and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride.
Use the OPEN mode during rough descending, the MEDIUM mode for
undulating terrain, and the FIRM mode for smooth climbing.

3736
Proper set up and tuning can vary from shock to shock. Please
consult the FOX manual included with your bike for complete
information about set up, tuning and general maintenance or visit
ridefox.com
REBOUND
Open
(counterclockwise)
Least amount of rebound
damping. The shock
rebounds fastest.
Closed
(clockwise)
Most amount of rebound
damping. The shock
rebounds slowest.
EXPERT SHOCK: FOX PERFORMANCE FLOAT DPS. 165MM X 45MM
PRO SHOCK: FOX PERFORMANCE ELITE FLOAT DPS. 165MM X 45MM
SUGGESTED STARTING POINTS FOR SETTING UP YOUR SHOCK
RIDER WEIGHT AIR PRESSURE REBOUND
(LBS/KGS) (PSI) (CLICKS OUT
FROM FULLY
CLOSED)
100LBS / 45KGS 105 11
110LBS / 50KGS 115 10
120LBS / 54KGS 130 9
130LBS / 59KGS 140 9
140LBS / 63.5KGS 150 9
150LBS / 68KGS 160 8
160LBS / 73KGS 170 8
170LBS / 77KGS 180 8
180LBS / 82KGS 190 7
190LBS / 86KGS 200 7
200LBS / 91KGS 210 7
210LBS / 95KGS 220 6
220LBS / 100KGS 230 6
230LBS / 104KGS 240 5
240LBS / 109KGS 250 5
250LBS / 113KGS 260 4
COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENTS
The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-y adjustments to
control shock performance under signicant changes in terrain,
and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride.
Use the Open mode during rough descending, the Medium
mode for steep climbs where traction is paramount, and the
Firm mode for climbing on smooth terrain or hard surfaces.
STEP 13
REAR SUSPENSION SETUP SNIPER T EXPERT & PRO COMPRESSION
LEVER (BLUE)
REBOUND
DIAL (RED)
Use the chart below to calculate the air pressure required for your weight. Sag
for the rear shock should be 30%. The measurement should be approximately
13.5mm (0.5") between the black O-ring and the shock body.
AIR VALVE
FOX PERFORMANCE ELITE FLOAT DPS (PRO MODEL) PICTURED

3938
Proper set up and tuning can vary from shock to shock. Please
consult the FOX manual included with your bike for complete
information about set up, tuning and general maintenance or visit
ridefox.com
REBOUND
Open
(counterclockwise)
Least amount of rebound
damping. The shock
rebounds fastest.
Closed
(clockwise)
Most amount of rebound
damping. The shock
rebounds slowest.
COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENTS
The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-y adjustments to
control shock performance under signicant changes in terrain,
and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride.
Use the Open mode during rough descending, the Medium
mode for steep climbs where traction is paramount, and the
Firm mode for climbing on smooth terrain or hard surfaces.
STEP 13
REAR SUSPENSION SETUP SNIPER T ELITE
COMPRESSION
LEVER (BLUE)
REBOUND
DIAL (RED)
Use the chart below to calculate the air pressure required for your weight. Sag
for the rear shock should be 30%. The measurement should be approximately
13.5mm (0.5") between the black O-ring and the shock body.
SHOCK: FOX FACTORY KASHIMA FLOAT DPS, 165MM X 45MM
SUGGESTED STARTING POINTS FOR SETTING UP YOUR SHOCK
RIDER WEIGHT AIR PRESSURE REBOUND
(LBS/KGS) (PSI) (CLICKS OUT
FROM FULLY
CLOSED)
100LBS / 45KGS 105 11
110LBS / 50KGS 115 10
120LBS / 54KGS 130 9
130LBS / 59KGS 140 9
140LBS / 63.5KGS 150 9
150LBS / 68KGS 160 8
160LBS / 73KGS 170 8
170LBS / 77KGS 180 8
180LBS / 82KGS 190 7
190LBS / 86KGS 200 7
200LBS / 91KGS 210 7
210LBS / 95KGS 220 6
220LBS / 100KGS 230 6
230LBS / 104KGS 240 5
240LBS / 109KGS 250 5
250LBS / 113KGS 260 4
AIR VALVE
3-POSITION LEVER